THIS is what I am most grateful for........

Just returned from our first trip to see Em at school.  Crappy weather but good company:

I am grateful for new friends
I am grateful for Shelley Cowell's taxi service
I am grateful that my daughter is doing so well (so far) 

I am grateful for Christina 
I am grateful for Liz - it really is the little things.......

Stress-filled day, but plenty to be thankful for:

I am grateful for Dr. Allen
I am grateful for Modern Family - need a good laugh tonight
I am grateful for a low maintenance dinner

Just got back from a trip to St. Louis.  The whole family met up for Sarah and Jeff's wedding, and it was a small miracle that we all made it.  Four different flights from four different cities!!
We got to see family on both sides, I spent an evening with Lauri and two new friends (Hey A Team!!! You two are always going to be guaranteed fun-and thank you for always being there for Lauri), and had a great night with the cousins.

The wedding was such a wonderful, crazy, dance-filled night. Sarah was a beautiful bride and we were so blessed to be included.  Catching up with family that we rarely get to see  is always very special.  We miss everyone so much living way down here.

I think I am still hung-over from way too much partying, but it was worth it!

The trip had so many moments to be grateful for, so here goes:

I am grateful for my friendship with Lauri and my two new friends, Amy and Andrea.

I am grateful that Elizabeth, Sally, Susan, and Carolyn are ALWAYS so welcoming and ready to hang out.

I am grateful that my parents open their house to us and quietly suffer with too many house guests.

I am grateful that we have a NP in the family so that we can get that Z Pack without a doctors visit - Thanks Lori!!!

I am grateful that my husband even considered this trip in the first place - SO worth it.

I am grateful for my mother-in-laws hospitality - Dropping everything and entertaining 15 of us on short notice.  

I am grateful that we got to spend a weekend with  the girls - I miss them so much.

I am grateful that we all made it home safely - again: 4 different flights.

I am SO grateful that Lauri is ok. 

Been out of town and haven't been able to get online.  I have a little catching up do:

I am grateful for an old friend and two new friends for making a boring Wednesday evening SO much fun.  Haven't laughed that hard in a long time.
Thanks Lauri, Amy and Andrea - Happy Birthday Steve.

I am grateful for the time I get to spend with my parents.

I am grateful for this amazing fall weather.

Yep, already skipping days!!  I guess it can't be helped. 
So I begin with yesterday:

I am grateful my husband took me out for a memorable evening.


Today:

I am grateful that my daughters still calls me for advice and support.
I am grateful that I can call MY mother for advice and support.

I am grateful for that "good sore" after a workout.

I am grateful that Michael cooked a wonderful meal, and I got to relax and enjoy my evening. 

Friday, September 14, 2012

I am grateful for a nice evening with a good friend.
I am grateful for a new haircut.

Where to start?  My family has been through so many changes over the past year.

We seem to be forever busy focusing on business, school, finances, and all those little every day problems. We are exhausted from living each day chasing the finish line, but the TO-DO list is a daily, growing chore.  I too often find myself saying, “ When this week (event, project, or whatever it may be) is over, everything will slow down and I can enjoy my family, friends and hobbies.  But right now I just have to GET THROUGH THIS!”

Well, guess what?  My kids are gone.  They grew up while I wasn’t looking, and now Brad and I are trying to figure out what to do next.  I pray the next part of our journey will be as amazing as the first 25 years.

So here I sit, a new empty-nester, trying to put it all into perspective.  I have decided to begin this blog for one simple reason: to show my daily gratitude.  I hope that it makes me sit back, take a breath, look around, and see the many (big and little) blessings that are around me every day.

I invite everyone to join me for the next year.  Please feel free to post your own thoughts and the blessings from your life.   

I will do my very best to post every day until September 12, 2013.  

My first entry:

I am grateful for the maturity shown by my daughter today.
I am grateful that the dog threw up on the kitchen floor  and missed the carpet.
I am grateful for a hot shower after a workout.